LIMERICK’s premier county town Newcastle West will not have a St Patrick’s Day Parade again this year.
Cathaoirleach Michael Collins lamented the ongoing loss to the town at last Friday’s Newcastle West Municipal District council meeting.
He pointed out that there hadn’t been a St Patrick’s Day Parade in the West Limerick town since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.
Cllr Collins noted that, this year, the parade was not going ahead on account of works in the town.
However, the Fianna Fáil councillor was quick to reassure the townspeople that plans were already afoot for next year, when there would be a “proper parade”.
Fine Gael councillor Tom Ruddle called for funding to be found to have a family fun day in the Square in Newcastle West on St Patrick’s Day this year, instead of the parade.
He pointed out that bands would have to be paid and insurance covered for such an event. However, he felt street performances, music, and face painting for children would go some way to making up for the continued disappointment suffered by locals.
“We had no parade last year and, unfortunately, now we won’t have one until next year. Could we not organise a family fun day?” Cllr Ruddle asked.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley – who will be attending the St Patrick’s Day festivities in New York – invited council members and the people of Newcastle West to attend the parade in neighbouring town Abbeyfeale on the day.
“Limerick St Patrick’s Festival is a unique weekend in Limerick as we host two major parades in the city, alongside several community parades throughout the county,” Mayor Foley said.
“Limerick is green all year round, but when it comes to the week of March 17, we really know how to put on a show.
This year we are calling on all people in Limerick, and indeed the world, to ‘Discover Limerick’ and take part in or attend one of the many parades on show.
“We also encourage those from 100 different nationalities who have made Limerick their home to participate in the parade.
“With the days getting longer, there is even more time to discover all the city and county has for you, your family and friends,” Mayor Foley added.
